Accommodation Czech Republic

Finding Accommodation

Online platforms: Websites like Sreality.cz, Flatio, and Airbnb offer a wide selection of apartments and houses for rent.

Real estate agencies: Going through an agency can simplify the search process, but they charge a commission, usually equal to a month's rent.

Direct landlords: Websites such as Bezrealitky.cz allow you to find housing without intermediaries, which saves on commission.

Social media and forums: Facebook groups and specialized forums can be useful for finding housing without intermediaries.

Types of Rentals

Short-term rent: Suitable for stays from a few days to several months; furnished apartments with utilities included are offered.

Long-term rent: Intended for stays of six months or more. Typically, a formal rental agreement is required. A deposit of one or two months' rent is often required.

In the Czech Republic, rental and purchase agreements play a key role in regulating legal relationships between parties and ensuring their interests.

Rental Agreement

Legal protection: The rental agreement establishes the rights and obligations of the tenant and landlord, providing legal protection for both parties.

Proof of residence: An official rental agreement is required for registration of residence and obtaining certain services.

Where necessary

Residence registration: Foreign nationals must register their place of residence within 30 days of entering the Czech Republic.

Visa and permit processing: A rental agreement may be required when applying for a visa or residence permit.

Opening a bank account: Some banks require proof of residence, which can be a rental agreement.

Purchase Agreement

Transfer of ownership: The purchase agreement is the main document confirming the transfer of property ownership from seller to buyer.

Legal registration: To make changes in the Czech Land Register, a notarized purchase agreement is required.

Where necessary

Registration of ownership: After signing the purchase agreement, it must be submitted to the Land Register for official registration of the new owner.

Mortgage lending: Banks require the purchase agreement when processing a mortgage on the purchased property.

Tax obligations: The agreement serves as a basis for calculating and paying taxes related to property acquisition.

Utility payments

In some cases, utilities are included in the rent, but more often they are paid separately. The amounts for utilities in listings may be approximate or not listed at all. It is recommended to clarify their amount before signing the contract.

Residence registration

Foreign nationals must register their place of residence within 30 days of entering the Czech Republic. Registration is done at the local foreign police office.

Features of listings

Listings often include only the street without the exact address. Details are provided upon agreement for viewing.

Discrimination

Some landlords prefer to rent only to locals and may refuse foreigners. Listings may contain notes about preferences or unwillingness to rent to foreigners.

Considering these features, it is advisable to approach the rental process in the Czech Republic carefully, thoroughly study the terms of the contract, and seek consultation from specialists if necessary.

Buying real estate in the Czech Republic is a process available to both citizens and foreign nationals (since May 2009, the Czech Republic allows all foreigners, without a residence permit, to purchase real estate in their personal name).

In the Czech Republic, property insurance is not mandatory and is at the discretion of the owner. However, in the case of purchasing property using a mortgage loan, banks require mandatory insurance of the property as a condition for providing the loan.

Insurance Recommendations:

For owners not permanently residing in the Czech Republic: It is recommended to insure the property to ensure peace of mind during absence and protection against risks such as natural disasters, fire, or flooding.

For owners renting out property: Insurance can cover risks associated with tenant actions, including possible property damage or liability to third parties.

Insurance Cost: The cost of a policy depends on the property area, the list of insured events, and the chosen insurance company. Basic insurance can cost from 250 euros per year.

Utility payments include:

- Energy resources: electricity, gas, heating.

- Water supply and sewage.

- Waste removal.

- Maintenance of common areas: cleaning of entrance halls, lift maintenance, lighting of common areas.

- Repair fund: funds for major building repairs.

The composition and size of payments may vary depending on the type of housing and agreements with the landlord.

Methods of Calculation and Payment

Advance payments: Utility services are often paid in advance based on estimated consumption. At the end of the year, recalculation is conducted based on actual consumption, and overpayments may be refunded or additional payments required.

Fixed payments: Some services, such as waste removal or maintenance of common areas, have a fixed cost and do not depend on consumption.

Methods of Payment

Bank transfer: The most common method of paying utility bills. Clients can set up a regular payment or allow the provider to automatically debit the account.

Postal invoices: Some service providers send invoices by mail that can be paid at post offices or through a bank.

Consumption Monitoring

Water, gas, and electricity consumption is monitored using meters. Readings are taken annually for recalculation purposes. It is important to provide readings in a timely manner to avoid inaccuracies in calculations.

Responsibilities of Tenant and Landlord

Tenant: usually pays for consumed resources (water, gas, electricity) and services related to living.

Landlord: may include some utility payments in the rent or require them to be paid separately. Terms should be clearly stated in the rental agreement.

Important Points

Recalculation: at the end of the billing period, advance payments are compared with actual consumption. Excess funds are refunded in case of overpayment, and an additional bill is issued in case of underpayment.

Tariff changes: utility tariffs may change. It is recommended to monitor notifications from service providers.

Rules for living in apartment buildings may vary depending on the specific building or management company, but there are common principles that should be considered.

Household order: This document establishes rules of conduct for residents, including:

Quiet hours: usually from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM, when noisy work and activities are prohibited.

Use of common areas: rules for using elevators, corridors, basements, and other common spaces.

Keeping of pets: restrictions on the number and types of animals, requirements for their care.

Cleaning and cleanliness: residents' responsibilities for maintaining cleanliness in common areas.

It is recommended to familiarize yourself with the rules upon moving in to avoid misunderstandings.

Utility payments and contributions

Residents are required to pay utility services and contributions for house maintenance on time:

- Payment for electricity, water, heating.

- Contributions for repair and maintenance of common building parts.

- Payments for waste removal and territory cleaning.

Details and amounts of payments are usually specified in the rental or purchase agreement.

Safety and access

Ensuring the safety of the building is a shared responsibility among residents. This includes:

Access control: do not leave entrance doors open, do not allow strangers without accompaniment.

Fire safety: adhere to fire safety rules, do not block emergency exits.

Elevator use: follow operating rules, do not overload elevators.

Repair work

The conduct of repair or construction work in an apartment must meet the following requirements:

Coordination: obtain permission from the management company or residents' council for significant work.

Work schedule: carry out noisy work during set hours, usually on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00.

Notifying neighbors: inform neighbors about upcoming work and possible inconveniences.

Parking and use of courtyard area

The usage of parking spaces and courtyard area is regulated by internal rules:

Parking: park vehicles only in designated areas, comply with traffic regulations within the property.

Storage of personal items: it is forbidden to leave personal items in common corridors or stairways.

Use of green areas: maintain cleanliness, ban on walking dogs in undesignated areas.

If questions or conflicts arise, it is recommended to contact the management company or residents' council for resolution.

The real estate market in the Czech Republic is dynamic and diverse, reflecting the country's economic growth and increasing interest from both local and foreign investors.

Volume of new construction

In recent years, there has been an increase in new construction, especially in major cities such as Prague and Brno. However, the process of obtaining construction permits can be lengthy and complicated, slowing the introduction of new properties to the market. New projects are often focused on modern energy efficiency and environmental standards.

Comfort of offered housing

Modern amenities: New buildings are equipped with modern technologies, including "smart home" systems, underground parking, and security systems.

Renovation of old buildings: Many historical buildings undergo renovation, combining historical charm with modern amenities.

Diversity of offerings: The market offers both economical housing options and premium segments with high comfort standards.

Prices by region

Prague: The highest real estate prices. The average cost per square meter in the center can exceed 100,000 Czech crowns.

Brno and Ostrava: Prices are lower than in Prague, but still high due to developed infrastructure and economic activity.

Smaller cities and regions: Significantly more affordable prices attract buyers looking for housing outside major cities.

Types of residential real estate

Apartments: The most common type of housing, especially in cities. Ranges from studios to multi-room apartments.

Private houses: Popular in suburbs and rural areas. Includes both modern cottages and traditional houses.

Townhouses and duplexes: Gaining popularity as a compromise between an apartment and a private house.

Investment properties: Apartments in tourist areas designed for short-term rentals.

Supply and demand ratio

High demand: Economic growth and urbanization lead to increased demand for housing, especially in Prague.

Insufficient supply: Construction rates do not always keep up with demand, leading to price increases.

Foreign investments: Interest from foreign buyers intensifies market competition.

Thus, the Czech real estate market is characterized by active development and a wide range of offerings. Despite some bureaucratic complexities in the construction sector, the general trend shows stable growth. For immigrants and investors, this opens up various opportunities, but it is important to consider regional features and price dynamics.

The cost of living in the Czech Republic varies depending on the region and lifestyle. Below are the main categories of expenses:

Accommodation

Rent

Prague: one-room apartment in the city center — from 15,000 to 25,000 Czech crowns per month.

Brno: similar apartment — from 12,000 to 18,000 crowns.

Ostrava: from 8,000 to 12,000 crowns.

Utilities: on average from 2,500 to 4,500 crowns per month.

Food

- Bread (500 g): about 25 crowns.

- Milk (1 liter): 20 crowns.

- Eggs (10 pcs.): 35 crowns.

- Chicken fillet (1 kg): 150 crowns.

- Fruits and vegetables (1 kg): from 30 to 60 crowns.

Transport

Public Transport

Monthly pass in Prague: 550 crowns.

Single ticket: 30 crowns (valid for 90 minutes).

Taxi

- Base fare: 40 crowns.

- Price per kilometer: 25 crowns.

- Gasoline (1 liter): about 38 crowns.

Communication and Internet

Internet (unlimited, speed 60 Mbps and above): 500–700 crowns per month.

Mobile communications: plans with included internet and minutes from 500 crowns per month.

Healthcare

Mandatory health insurance: for workers, part of the contributions is paid by the employer, part is deducted from the salary.

Private health insurance for non-residents: from 1,200 crowns per month.

Visit to a private doctor: 500–1,000 crowns per consultation.

Education

Public schools and universities: free for residents when studying in the Czech language.

English language education: tuition in universities ranges from 100,000 to 300,000 crowns per year.

International schools: from 200,000 crowns per year.

Entertainment and Leisure

Fitness club membership: 800–1,500 crowns per month.

Cinema ticket: 150–200 crowns.

Theater or concert ticket: 400–1,000 crowns.

Travel within the country: train or bus tickets between cities cost from 150 to 400 crowns.

Clothing and Footwear

Levi's jeans or similar: 1,500–2,000 crowns.

Summer dress in a chain store: 800–1,200 crowns.

Nike or Adidas sneakers: 2,000–3,000 crowns.

Other Expenses

Hairdresser (haircut): 300–600 crowns.

Personal care products: shampoo, shower gel, etc. cost from 50 to 150 crowns per item.

Kindergarten (private): 10,000–15,000 crowns per month.

Average Salary

Average net salary in the Czech Republic: about 35,000 crowns per month.

Taxes and Deductions

Income tax: rate of 15% on income up to a certain threshold, then 23%.

Social and health insurance: deducted from salary, about 11%.

Actual expenses may vary depending on individual preferences and lifestyle.

Housing Support Programs

Ministry of Regional Development's Housing Support Program: aimed at regenerating areas, supporting the construction of public housing for the elderly, replacing lead pipes, and creating barrier-free residential buildings.

Nová zelená úsporám: Ministry of Environment's program focused on increasing the energy efficiency of buildings.

Humanitarian Aid and Social Subsidies

Humanitarian subsidy: provided to refugees and asylum seekers to cover basic needs. The amount and conditions of the payment may vary; it is recommended to contact local social protection authorities for up-to-date information.

Integration subsidies: financial support intended to assist the integration of immigrants, available to local governments, organizations, and households.

Support for Entrepreneurs

Programs supporting young entrepreneurs: annually implemented state and private initiatives aimed at uniting, retraining, and supporting young entrepreneurs.

Technology Agency of the Czech Republic: supports projects of applied research, experimental development, and innovations, facilitating cooperation between research organizations and the business sector.

Educational Scholarships

State scholarships: the Czech government provides scholarships for international students wishing to pursue higher education in the country.

University scholarships: many Czech universities offer their own scholarship programs for students, including social scholarships, material aid, and awards for academic achievements.

Social Security

Pension insurance: provides benefits for old age, disability, and in case of loss of the breadwinner. Participation in pension insurance is mandatory for economically active individuals.

Insurance for illness: designed for employed individuals and provides financial support in case of short-term social events, such as illness or caring for a family member.

For detailed information and current conditions, it is recommended to contact relevant government agencies or official sources.